^2 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. I07 



taurant facilities made it impossible to continue the dinner conferences 

 after the first year. However, the need for orientation is constant 

 in Washington, even though a bit more obvious when the confusion 

 is greatest. Regional problems are still abundant, and their solution 

 depends on keeping the various specialists in touch with one another. 

 Moreover, if the problem is considered the primary factor, there is 

 even greater justification for renewing such conferences as soon as 

 conditions permit. 



Some general observations on the conference technique grow out 

 of the Board's experience. A non-Governmental agency can arrange 

 a conference without getting involved in the suspicions and rivalry 

 of the agencies themselves. However, such a group must have suf- 

 ficient prestige to be assured that its invitations will be accepted. The 

 Board relied at first on the prestige of its Sponsors, although later it 

 was able to operate independently. 



An advanced statement about the purpose of the conference and 

 the major topics for discussion has definite advantages. The out- 

 line should be kept broad and flexible but be serious enough to at- 

 tract interest. If the problem is too limited, many of those invited 

 may refuse because of lack of interest or because it lies outside of 

 their specialty. The detailed problems should grow out of the con- 

 ference as topics for follow-up discussions. It is advisable, espe- 

 cially for orientation, to send an advance list of the names and affilia- 

 tions of those who plan to attend. 



A good chairman is important. Although the Director of the Board 

 was able to assist at all times, some of the conferences were on 

 fields outside his special competence. It is usually possible to find 

 some interested specialist who will assume the responsibility of lead- 

 ing the discussion. Special speakers are useful for introducing a 

 topic, but conferences of this kind should avoid too many or too 

 lengthy speakers, since the purpose is primarily exploratory. The 

 guests should be chosen because of their abilities and interests, rather 

 than because of their affiliation. If this is clearly understood the dis- 

 cussion is freer, since no one is constrained on the grounds that he 

 must speak as an official representative of some agency. 



The ideal number for such a dinner conference is around 18. Many 

 less than that makes it too intimate and does not bring in enough new 

 people. Many over that makes open discussion difficult. The num- 

 ber should be such that a guest can meet, identify, and remember 

 everyone present, and if the number is too large, no one bothers to try. 



Probably records, such as minutes, notes, or summaries, should not 



